Armored car



H. F. CUNTZ.

ARMORED CAR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13. Isle.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

H. F. CUNTZ.

ARMORED CAR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13, 191s.

PamdMar. 8,1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2l H. F. CUNTZ.

ARIVIOHED CAR.

APPucATxoN man MAY 13, 1916.

Patent/ed Malz 8, H2L

Lsmml,

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

PRN,

. CUNTZ.

ARMORED CAR.

APPLICATION FILED MAYl3y'916.

Pmi/@med Mar. 8, i921@ 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

UNITED STATES 'Parana caries..

ARMORED CAR.

Speccation of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 8, 19215.

Application filed May 13, 1916. Serial No. 97,267.

To all whom'z't may concern.'

Be it known that I, HERMANN F. CUNTZ, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Hartford, State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Armored Cars, of which the following is a specifica-tion, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, illustrative of one partlcular embodiment of my invention. l

'This invention relates to armored cars ,but more particularly the armoring for protection of road vehicles, and particularly automobiles. Among the objects are to supply an arrangement and equipment of armor or protective sheathing and adjuncts', which will be feasible within the weight limits permissible for such equipment with due regard to the character of road-bed traversed, and to permit their operation without interruption or interference with the particular equipment, while at the same time affording all the desired protection when in action, with ready availability of increased facilities to the occupants when not in action. Also to aiford such equipment which will still permit accessibility to the extent desirable for replacementl or repairs; and to ai'ord an equipment most readily meeting the exigencies of manufacture with the character of material involved and adapted for ready application to otherwise standard parts, as Well as facilities for transportation.

In the particular embodiment of my invention, which I will hereinafter describe, the accompanying drawings illustrate:

Figure 1 a perspective view of an armored automobile, ready for action;

Fig. 2 a plan view of the armored body ofv the same;

Fig. 3 a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 4 a front view of the same;

Fig. 5 a. fragmentary view of a modified form showing in plan one side of the front;

Fig. 6 a side elevation of a front portion of the same modified form;

Fig. 7 a front view of the modified form;

Fig. 8 a side view of modified turret protection.

In the figures, A is a front armored portion, B is the Citadel armored portion, C 1s the engine armored portion, a is the protective roof for the operators portion A, D is an additional protective roof, E is an articulated roof section, e is a peep-slot for use in action, F is an articulated roof sectlon adapted to support a light G, or similar accessory or equipment, e e are adjustable supports for the removable roof section E, c is a front protector, which, as shown in Fig. 1, may have louveis C', or other suitable ventilation which may be articulated.

Loop-holes H-H are located for sighting or other purposes, with shutters h operable from the interior, being located at suitable height for the occupants in the respective positions.

The Citadel portion B, has plate or plates b, with jam or handle-nuts b-b, or other suitable means to permit quick detachment of the section b, so that the 'plate in that position may be removed to give quick acvcess to the rear wheels and adjacent driving mechanism.

The hood C is hinged at c", or otherwise suitably articulated, to permit ready displacement for accessibility to the engine or other parts, there being an opening 6 in a suitable location to permit access to the radiator cap, in the form illustrated.

Transverse holsters J rest on the longitudinal side frames of the chassis, and at their ends, with brackets j, support the side plates of Citadel B. In the rear, bars K serve as a ladder when the rear plate B is made permanent for access over the rear, although the rear may be hinged for increased accessibility.

In the Citadel are permanent supports L, adapted to receive with quick attaching means, a gun M, with suitable shield N.

In Figs. 5, 6 and 7 there is shown the forward portion of an armored body for an automobile designed to suit requirements in a heavier vehicle or with heavier equipment, which would presumably have a stronger chassis capable of ycarrying a greater load. Under such conditions a greater weight of armor plate would be permissible and thewalls would be higher, and consequently the arrangement regarding drivers protection and other parts, may be modified, while as a slow moving vehicle less space might be required for engine and a greater wind re sistance would be no detriment.

In this arrangement the armored sides A are covered with a art-deck D, and the forward portion E hlnged at e with adjusting struts e", may be swung down when the car is in action, and carries a light such ,is a periscope box having a reflector as a search lightG on its under side, and therefore effective when the hinged shield E is up. When in action the front shutter or shield E is closed, and the searchlight is protected. The bonnet C is articulated by any suitable means such as c, so it can be. raised for inspection of the forward parts of the chassis.

Above the drivers head is a box P which Leomprismg a glass, and frame g so arranged that a broken glass may be replaced from inside by the driver or an assistant. Where the box I? rests on the deck D, an opening permits the reflection into the drivers compartment, while the periscope box and parts are so constructed that a bullet or shrapnel part will pass through and not be deflected down upon the driver, or the drivers head may be protected and only sufficient upper openin allowed to permit the reflected rays from to be projected upon the mirror or glass R, set in the frame 7' before the driver within the compartment. For lateral observation, the peep-hole H is provided at the level of the eye of the operator. Such peep-holes may be made very narrow and with beveled edges inside, which are usually ground down to leave a flaring inner section, permitting good sight therethrough and sharp outer edges which cause any lmping'- ing bullet to roll around the edges with the minimum spattering-effect in the interior.

Ladder K affords ready access in such construction at the forward end of the vehicle, to the deck D, thereby giving occupants ready access to the citadel. peepslot e inthe shutter E', affords means of observation when in action. 0 is an opening in the deck of the hood C to permit quick access to the radiator cap.

As shown in Fig. 8, a side view of the rear portion of a heavier vehicle, a turret S projects above the level of the body with a larger gun than in the lighter car. This turret and gun may be mounted in various wa s, some of which I have designed in detai but are usually intended to permit a range of fire in all directions, while the gun is mounted to pivot for elevation close to the side of the turret, thereby requiring the minimum vertical opening in the turret side armor.

Owing to the variety of uses to which armored cars may be put, and the varying requirements dictated by the varying experience of individuals, I have found it advisable to develop constructions for definite service. The weight of armor with the desired armament and ammunition and crew, puts obvious limitations in the matter of weight and thereby enter fully into the determination of the general construction and character of such armored unit. In the matter of armored automobiles I have therefore designated the heavier armed and armored cars intended for relatively slower move! ment, as battle cars ;-while the high-speed cars, with all equipment arranged forless wind resistance, and for lighter` equipment and character of mobility in eneral I have designated land cruiser ,-w ile extremely light cars very mobile and for small crew and very light armament, I have designated scout cars. j

Each of these types may be modified to suit particular standard chassis, or in each type there ma be relatively large and small, or light and eav embodiments of the respective characteristics. Many of the characteristics and features of equipment may also be embodied in armored mobile-forts, heavy gun transports, aerial gun cars, despatch cars or transport armored cars having protection such as officers unarmed-armored cars. In making up a column or train embodying armored units, ammunition cars, tank cars, wireless or searchlight or other special cars may be more or less equipped with armor with my arrangement or construction, when desired.

The question of a roof for protection under conditions of bursting shrapnel, or for riot cars used in streets, when liable to sniping from aloft, presents a question readily solved in conjunction with my construction, the necessity of which depends u on the personal'desires and experiences. Xs shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 a support U carries a ridgepole V shown dotted, which will support a suitable covering such as tarpaulin for weather protection. This arrangement may be discarded or readily removed to prevent interference in use of the car equipment, or in place of the tarpaulin hinged sections of armor may be attached to such ridgepole, and opened or raised in sections to permit lateral view or firing.

From the above it will be noted that my construction vprovides an equipment on a frame suitable primarily for automobiles, which may be made of armor plate perma- -nently or detachably secured together at the joints, which may be set on a regular chassis inclosing all vital parts and protecting the same. The Citadel portion affords protection for the fighting crew andcommunication with the drivers space, with the lowest permissible walls for protection, either when prone or sitting, shuttered loop-holes, and if desired a drop rear wall to permit the drivers view to the rear. Complete protection is provided for the driver withincreased facilities for observation when not in action, and complete protection of all parts when in action. Provision isl also made for ready articulation or removal of parts covering mechanism of the chassis which may require inspection, repair or replacement. l

The drivers space in the land cruiser is so arranged as to reduce the height to a minimum, without impeding the operations of the driver, affording accommodations for head or searchlights for ordinary use, and having means for quickly providing'complete protection of all parts when in action. The low roof over drivers space permits a low location of the center of gravity of the guns in the citadel with, at the same time, a forward range without obstruction, while the deck directly above the drivers head, whether fixed or articulated, affords protection against concussion of discharge.

While various modifications may be made in the embodiment of my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A four-'wheeled armored car, comprising road wheels and two longitudinal sills forming a main frame, armored sides at the forward end extending upward and downward on the outer side adjacent to the main frame, an articulated roof section therefor, transverse holsters on said main frame overhanging the same on either side and supporting substantially vertical armor-plate on either side on the end of-said bolsters forming an armored citadel in the rear, downward extensions on the sides of said citadel beyond the ends of saidbolsters overhanging the rear wheels, and an armored rear section forming with the sides a rigid support of said citadel on said main frame, an intermediate fixed armored section extending contiguously from the forward armored section and merging with and connected to the citadel, forming a protected cabin for the operator, shiftable observation shutter therefor and means for observation when said shutter is closed, and means of entry from the citadel to said operators cabin.

2. A four-wheeled armored car comprising substantially parallel load-supporting longitudinal main frame members, and driving wheels and steering wheels respectively on the outside of said mam frame membersl near their rear and front ends, armored sides extending upwardly from the main frame members at the forward ends inside of the steering wheels and connected at' the top by an armored roof and an articulated section permitting access to said forward armored section, transverse members rigidly supported on said main frame in the rear portion and upwardly extending longitudinal armored plates supported on the endsjof said transverse members, anda transverse rear armor-plate upwardly extending and connected near the rear ends with the said armor-plates forming a citadel substantially rectangular in horizontal section, intermediate armored section for the protection of the operator merging with the forward end of the citadel and the rear end of the forward armored section, downwardly extending armor-plate on the lower side of the 'intermediate section and of the citadel walls extending adjacent the ends of the transverse main frame members downwardly outside of the rear wheels beyond the centers thereof, and means for rigid gun support on the walls of said citadel.

3. A four-wheeled armored car comprising armored sides at the forward endlocated inside of the forward wheels, a hinged roof section therefor, an adjacent contiguous armored compartment having a portion of its roof in the plane of the roof of the forward section, an opening in said roof and an articulated cover for said opening, supporting on one side a light or lamp whereby said light'will have an unobstructed .line of projection when said cover is open and said light will be on the interior of the compartment when said cover is closed down, and a citadel having armor plate sides to the rear of said compartment.

4. In an armored car, an armored citadel having lateral Walls extending downward, a lower section on each of said walls having means for ready detachability, a forward armored section adapted to inclose the engine of the vehicle and having a hinged roof and depending side walls and la front plate depending to a level of the front axle, and having a portion of the said walls depending to a level of the steering mechanism, an intermediate armored section having side wallsand a roof and a hinged section for said roof lying normally in the plane ofu the rear portion of said roof and adapted to be moved to provide a broad front and a side opening for direct and laterally forward observation.

5. An armored automobile having armor plates surrounding the forward end, armor plates inclosing the rear, an intermediate section having armored side walls and a roof with an opening, a shutter for said opening and a lamp and means of attachment to said shutter, whereby said shutter may be moved to project said lamp to the exterior of said compartment,` and may be moved to dispose said lamp within said compartment, for the purpose described.

6. An armored car comprising armor plate surrounding the forward end and the rear, and extending outside of the rear wheels, an intermediate protected compartment adapted to protect the operator, a box supported in conjunction with the roof of the intermediate compartment and registeringover an opening in said roof, an opening in said roof constituting a hand-hole for accessibility to and a reflector above said opening and under said box, for the purpose described. l

7. An armored car comprising armor plate for the forward end and for the rear, an intermediate protected compartment adapted to inclose the operator, a box supported in conjunction with the roof of said intermediate compartment and having an opening in said roofcovered by said box, a reflector in said box and a reflector within said compartment whereby the operator may obtain a reflected forward vision through said opening in the roof while remaining nwithin the confines of said compartment and a hand-hole in said roof through which said reflector is accessible.

8. An armored car comprising lateral armor plating, a roof section inclosing the top of a portion of the armor plate body, a transversely hinged section adapted to be moved to permit broad forwardvision7 a periscope on said roof adapted to reflect the forward Vision to the operator, when said hinged section is closed, comprising an opening in the roof and a box covering the same and open to the rear, containing a reflector.

9. An armored car comprising Vforward steering wheels and rear driving wheels, lateral and rear armored walls extending around the outside of the driving wheels, a relatively narrow armored section inclosing the front portion including the power plant, an intermediate section converging from the rear armor section to the forward section on the sides and having a forwardly downwardly inclined roof, a hinged section on said roof, supports therefor extending to the inside and a hinged roof section supporting a searchlight, for the purpose described.

l0. An armored motor can comprising driving and steering wheels, longitudinal main frame members, a plurality of rigid transverse members attached to the main frame members and extending continuously from side to side overhanging the adjacent wheels, straight sheet armor-plates extending longitudinally and upwardly from the JA'ends of the overhanging transverse members and connected by transverse sheet armorplate in the rear together with the side plates forming a rigid rear citadlel supported by said mainframe, a rigid gun mount inv said Citadel, a front armored box with panel armor-plate on the front, sides and top, and an intermediate armored section comprising roof and side armored plates consolidating the armoring of the car from the front to rear sections, and depending armor-plates extending on the sides below the center vof the wheels contiguous with the other side armor, for a major portion of the length of the car.

11. An armored car comprising longitudinal main frame members, front and rear wheels adjacent the ends thereof, armor-plate forming a Citadel at one end supported at the ends of transverse members extending rigidly from side to side of the main frame and rigidly secured thereto and overhanging the adjacent wheels, an armored box inclosing the other end and having lateral walls inside the plane of the adjacent wheels, an intermediate section having contiguous armored walls with the other sections and having a roof adapted to lie close to the head of a driver in sitting position, with top sections of the citadel walls substantially in the plane of the roof of the intermediate section, a gun mount in said citadel supported rigidly with respect to the walls thereof, and a gun-shield carried thereby above the walls of the Citadel.

Signed at New York, this 12th day of May, 1916. f

HERMANN F. CUNTZ.

Witnesses:

' I. B. DE GEB, JOHN DARBY. 

